(a) The Council finds that public nuisances exist in the City of York in the operation of certain buildings, structures and dwellings and the use and occupation of property in flagrant and persistent violation of state and local laws and ordinances, which nuisances substantially and seriously interfere with the interest of the public in enhancing the quality of life and community environment in the City, and in fostering and facilitating commerce, maintaining and improving property values, and preserving and protecting the public health, safety, and welfare. Council further finds that the persistence of such activities and violations is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the City of York and of the dwellings and businesses thereof and the visitors thereto.
(b) Various code and statutory provisions, including, but not limited to, those found in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the City of York’s Property Maintenance Code, and the City of York’s Codified Ordinances pertaining to unreasonable noise, disorderly conduct, and litter and weeds, are enforced by the filing of charges and citations against the persons responsible for violations of the same. Council finds that, in spite of enforcement efforts, recurring code and statutory violations on property can lead to the creation of public nuisances on said property. Therefore, it is necessary and desirable in the public interest to enact a public nuisance abatement law in order to: eliminate local public nuisances by removing parcels of real property in the City from a condition that consistently and repeatedly violates municipal law; make property owners vigilant in preventing public nuisances on or in their property; ensure that property owners are responsible for the use of their property by tenants, guests and occupants; provide locally enforceable remedies for violations of local ordinances; and otherwise deter public nuisances. Council further finds that the sanctions and penalties that may be imposed by the Police Department pursuant to this law constitute an additional and appropriate method of law enforcement in response to the proliferation of the above-described public nuisances. The sanctions and penalties are reasonable and necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the people of the City and to promote the general welfare. (Ord. 18-2012. Passed 7-17-12.)